Monster (Finnick Odair x Reader)

There's Good News And Bad News..

**ARIA'S POV**

As promised, the doctors came to do my scans around an hour later. I was put onto a different bed and wheeled down the hall. Finnick followed close behind.

I went to my CT first, the machine big and loud. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to pretend it was just the buzzing of the cicadas back in District 5. 

The machine pulled me into a tube leg first, and went to about my neck. It was big, and white, and small on the inside. 

The doctors asked me if I was claustrophobic before I went in.

I didn't have much time after the CT before I went to my MRI.

The machine was really similar but I went in head first. This one was to scan my brain, not my leg. 

It felt even louder than the CT but they gave me headphones that played music.

The scan only took about 15 minutes, and then I was whisked off for another test.

They took me into yet another room but their time they stuck a needle in my back. I could feel it flowing through my veins, it felt cold.

I laid on my side and they used the x-ray to take photos.

I started to get a metallic taste in my mouth, assuming it was blood but the doctors said it was just a product of whatever was in the needle.

I was thankful when they wheeled me out and took me to my last test.

Another needle was pushed into my veins during the last test and I felt a few shocks in my arms and right leg, but I never felt anything in my left.

The doctors were frowning when I was excused. Finnick took me back to the hospital room.

"They were frowning- that's bad... what if you're paralyzed for real? Or worse what if," He started pacing, "What if you're dying or- or-"

"Finnick!" I snapped. "Please don't make it worse than it is."

He sighed and sat down next to me, "You're right. I'm sorry."

I laced his fingers with mine and squeezed softly, "It's going to be alright."

We waited in anticipation the whole day. 

The doctor didn't show up until after dinner.

"So... there's good and bad news."

"Good news first." Finnick blurted.

"Good news is it could be worse, and it's only a slight abnormality."

"And.. the bad news?" I asked.

"Your left leg is paralyzed from the thigh down."

Time froze. 

I knew it was possible but it never registered in my head.

I was paralyzed.

I'd never walk normal again.

Never run.

Never move without some sort of help.

Finnick squeezed my hand, pulling me out of the spiral, "So what do we do?" He whispered.

"We do what we can. We'll get you into your new room, and physical therapy can start tomorrow."

"Will that help me walk again?"

She shook her head, "The radiologists said you suffer from Monoplegia, which is a type of paralysis that only affects one limb. It happened because your nervous system got damaged. Probably when the cement landed on you. It's possible you'll improve over time, but you won't walk the same again."

I won't walk the same again. 

I won't be the same again. 

"So what's the point of the physical therapy?" Finnick asked.

"To help with muscle tones and function. Our goal is to get where you can walk with the help of a crutch at a normal pace." There was a beeping outside the hall and the doctor sighed, "Someone will be in to move you to your new room shortly." She waved goodbye and rushed out, heading down the hall.

I had frozen in shock, Finnick as well.

I stared at the doorway, hoping the doctor would come back and this would all be some sick joke.

"Are you okay?" Finnick whispered.

I shook my head slowly, "I-... I'll never walk the same... run... nothing.." 

Finnick's head dropped and he kissed my knuckles softly, "It'll be alright."

"How is this 'alright'?!" My voice raised, "I'm crippled!"

"Sweets.. it could be worse.. You could be dead."

"I'll never be the same again!"

"I know you're in shock and you have a lot of emotions but this is a time to look on the bright side. You will be able to walk again, just differently. We'll find ways to work around this."

I stared angrily at the wall in front of me.

Then a man walked in, "Uh... Triank, Aria?"

Finnick nodded, "Yeah?"

"We're here to help you move to your new room."

Finnick hesitated, "Actually... can we change that? I want her to move into my room. She's paralyzed, she can't live on her own."

"Yes I can." I spat.

Finnick grabbed my hand, "And what happens if you get hurt in your room? I'd never forgive myself."

I groaned and shook my head, "Fine. Stupid water boy." I muttered.

He grinned, "Great."

Finnick had the man collect my things (which was two books), while he picked me up and carried me to his place.

It was full of whites and grays, plain and stark.

The man set my books down and left. 

Finnick carried me to the couch and set me down. A crutch was leaning against the wall.

"That's new." He said.

"It's for me, duh."

He grabbed it and fiddled with it, I reached out for it.

He handed it to me and I hoisted myself up but he immediately grabbed my shoulders, pushing me back down. 

"No. No way. Not happening."

"What? C'mon.." I whined.

"Physical therapy starts tomorrow. Until now, you rest. If you need something, I'll get it."

"What if you're not here?"

"I'm staying with you until you can function on your own. Even then I'm probably gonna stay."

"You're not going out on those missions?"

Finnick shook his head, "I'm not risking my life. I have you. That's enough for me."

"What about the people of Panem? Those who are still under Snow's control? What about them?"

"They can wait. You can't."

"I hate you."

"No you don't sweets." 

I rolled my eyes and leaned back on the couch. Finnick sat down beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and I leaned my head on his.

We sat in comfortable silence for a long time, until I slowly drifted off to sleep.